The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel on October 4th will be played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors. That venue has yet to be confirmed but it is understood it will not be played in Hungary, as had been widely anticipated.
Despite the fact the FAI initially planned to host the game in Dublin, it now cites “operational challenges” in its decision to move the fixture.
The FAI remains committed to fulfilling the fixture, in spite of a strong protest movement calling for a boycott, emphasising in a statement on Friday that it will play the game out of its responsibility to protect the interests of Irish football.
Failure to play the game, says the FAI, would result in the forfeiture of six points, which could lead to the relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would conversely improve Israel’s chances of promotion and qualifying for Euro 2028, to be co-hosted in Dublin. Beyond that, the FAI says there would be broader implications, including a risk to the delivery of services such as “safeguarding, educational programmes, and player development opportunities”.
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The association also says that a boycott may lead to the withdrawal of underage international teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players and staff. Members of the FAI’s general assembly have tabled a motion for a forthcoming EGM calling for Irish football to boycott the fixtures, and although the FAI says it will engage with the meeting, it warns members “it is the responsibility of the FAI board to protect the future interests of football in Ireland”.
The association has also called for consideration to be given to players and staff involved in the fixtures against Israel, and will update season ticket holders on potential compensation or availing of an additional home game in 2027 in light of the fixture movement.
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The FAI’s statement includes a message from the Palestinian FA, which reads: “The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes. The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect.”
The FAI’s statement continues: “The association is deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza and continues to reflect the sentiment of the motion that was proposed and voted in favour of by members of the FAI general assembly in November 2025. This motion was to issue a formal request to the Uefa executive committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions for a breach of Uefa statutes.
“While the association submitted that motion to Uefa and has consulted with Uefa officials for almost two years on this issue, it does recognise the Uefa competition rules and regulations that the Association agreed to. These outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition.”
